Study and Research Opportunities in Sweden

The long and short-term academic programs are available in Sweden across many universities and educational centers. International students and researchers may apply to BA, MA, Ph.D., and postdoctoral research programs in Sweden. Moreover, summer schools and conferences are other excellent academic activities that make Sweden an attractive destination for scholars and scientists. Many programs also come with fully-funded scholarships and fellowships as well as travel grants and financial aid, thus every student, researcher, and professor can always find a suitable program in Sweden and apply.

Upgrade Academic Degrees in Sweden

Get funding for your education in Sweden

Summer programs in Sweden

Research Grants and Awards

What is unique about the Swedish education system? | Benefits as an international student

Sweden holds the principle of "Responsible Freedom" in its academic approaches. For you, as a student, this means that you will have more group and independent study projects rather than mandatory lectures. 

For a unique working and studying culture, Sweden was recognized as the most innovative country in Europe in 2020. So, explore the above academic opportunities to be part of Sweden's student life for not only developing academically but as a carrier of an interesting study and working culture. 

Note that there is a constant increase in international students’ number in Sweden, and the country supports the trend. More than half of international applicants are usually admitted to Sweden universities. 

The below points will list the main aspects of international student life in Sweden that may interest you most.

1.Education is free for EU/EEA students

Aha, free! 

If you have citizenship of the EU/EEA, other Nordic countries, and Switzerland, you do not have to carry scholarships for Bachelor's and Master's degrees. 

For non-citizen students of the above-mentioned countries, the average university tuition varies between 7,500-25,500 EUR a year. Note that Business and Architecture programs are the most expensive in Sweden. 

Ph.D. studies are free for citizens of all countries. 

2. Accommodation and living costs

You may refer to your university for student dormitories or find an apartment for rent by yourself. In either case, you can share the living space with other students to cut the costs. 

You may spend between 240 - 620 EUR per month for dormitories, and for a rented apartment, the cost is higher to 350- 700 EUR a month. 

The numbers hint that the living cost for students in Sweden is higher than the European average. You may need some 700-1,200 EUR a month to support your daily expenses. The most expensive countries are Gothenburg, Stockholm, Lund, Uppsala. Not surprisingly, the most ranked and popular universities are also in those cities. 

3. Language requirements

There is not a specific language requirement to study in Sweden. You should prove your knowledge of either Swedish or English languages, which is an important admission factor. 

You will meet both Swedish and English courses. In postgraduate level programs, there will be more courses taught in English. 

In addition to popular TOEFL and IELTS English tests, Sweden also accepts PTE Academic and C1 Advanced. 

4. You can work in Sweden as an international student

There is no limit on permissible working hours for students. However, you should plan your schedule considering that almost 40 hrs/week will be spent in university and on assignments. 

Of course, many job vacancies will require language knowledge, but still, it is possible to find a job in Sweden without knowing the language. Use all the tools you otherwise do in your country: consult with university professors, build local networking, monitor job sites, etc. 

The Application Procedures

You should apply both to university and student visa/residence if required from your country. There are two starting dates for academic programs in Sweden: the mid-January application deadline for the autumn semester and the mid-August deadline for the spring semester

The check on your chosen program or university website will give you a more precise image of the applying deadlines. Also, apply for a visa as soon as you receive the admitting letter, as the waiting periods may sometimes surprise you. 

If you apply for the Bachelor's program, the typical requirements are a certificate of completion from high school, English proficiency, and completion of math courses. 

If you apply for the Master's program, the two mandatory requirements are English proficiency and the Bachelor's graduation certificate from an internationally recognized university. 

For Ph.D. entry requirements may require you both Bachelor's and Master's degree or only a Bachelor in the relevant field. Also, depending on the course, you may need proof of English and Swedish language proficiency. 

While Ph.D. applications highly depend on separate university policies, Bachelor's and Master's program applications should be submitted via Swedish University Portal. 

The oldest University in Sweden and all the Nordic countries is Uppsala University, operating from 1477. 

Uppsala is included in the top universities in Sweden along with Karolinska Institute, Lund University, Stockholm University, and the University of Gothenburg

Besides the mentioned ones, you may construct your academic path in 14 public universities, 17 public university colleges, and many independent higher education institutions in Sweden. 

To choose the university and program closest to your interests, look at the US news ranking of the best Sweden Universities. The list comprises universities' research performance and the academic community member's rating within Europe.